Determinants of Coronavirus Infections and Public Health Challenges in Georgia

Abstract

Abstract

Background:
Coronavirus infections have emerged as one of the most significant global health threats of the 21st century. Since the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, the pandemic has compelled governments worldwide to adjust their public health strategies according to their socio-political and economic contexts. While European countries largely adhered to WHO recommendations, Nordic countries adopted more flexible approaches, leading to notable differences in mortality and morbidity rates across regions.

Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the specific determinants that influenced the COVID-19 response in Georgia, focusing on both systemic public health challenges and the socio-economic factors that affected pandemic outcomes. It examines the resilience of Georgia's healthcare system and its capacity to mitigate the immediate and long-term impacts of the pandemic.

Objectives:

• To assess the socio-economic and healthcare system-related determinants influencing Georgia's pandemic management and outcomes.
• To conduct a comparative analysis of national and regional interventions, with an emphasis on the implementation of public health recommendations, policies, and legislative frameworks.

Methods:
This study employs a desk-based, systematic review methodology that integrates both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The review primarily considers primary documents, including government recommendations, public health laws, and crisis management strategies aimed at controlling virus transmission. Key databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Medline were systematically searched for peer-reviewed publications from 2018 onward, in English, Georgian, and Russian. Only empirical studies with original analyses were included.

Expected Results:
The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into strengthening public health crisis response frameworks in Georgia. By analyzing the systemic challenges and successes during the pandemic, the results will help inform the development of more resilient healthcare strategies for future global health crises.

Significance:
This research is crucial as it addresses the gap in in-depth studies on the impact of COVID-19 on Georgia's healthcare system. It offers an evidence-based foundation for evaluating pandemic management strategies and provides recommendations for improving preparedness for future public health emergencies.